Brooking emerges as leader

IRVING – Bradie James is the captain of the Cowboys’ defense, but that doesn’t mean the unit doesn’t have other leaders.

I’m talking primarily about Keith Brooking, the 12th-year player the Cowboys acquired in free agency during the offseason.

Brooking’s play has been a bright spot in the young season. Against the Chiefs, he turned in an inspired effort, recording 18 tackles, including eight unassisted, three pressures, a sack and a pass breakup.

“I just can’t tell you how well he played in that ball game,” Wade Phillips said of the linebacker. “He was all over the field. He’s a good leader too. We talked about that. He’s come in and become a leader. He’s pretty vocal during the game. It was 10-0 in the first quarter, and he was coming by, talking to all the players offensively and defensively, saying, ‘We’re going to win this game. We’re going to win this game.’ Real positive attitude.

“That’s what you want, certainly from your team, and I think everybody felt that but he was going around saying it to everybody and going out on the field and backing it up. I thought Keith really had a great game.”